Interview with Philadelphia’s own Crazie K!D AnonYmouS

Philadelphia’s own Crazie K!D AnonYmouS started rapping at the early age of 12. Raised by a father who deejayed numerous block parties, you could say that Crazie K!D was born to make music. Over the years he’s been coached by Philly legends new and old such as Chuck Nice of 3 Times Dope and DJ No Phrillz. With influences ranging from Big Pun to Nirvana to Edgar Allen Poe, the young veteran emcee is certainly anything but “unremarkable”. CKA also has a unique accomplishment under his belt that most local artists dream of: he has performed overseas, specifically in Iraq while serving his nation.

The military discipline mindset is evident in Crazie K!D’s precise writing style and diligent work ethic. Other accolades he has already racked up include a show with Crooked I of Slaughterhouse, recording tracks with Reef the Lost Cauze & Rich Quick, and numerous victories at poetry slam competitions, which is a testament to his versatility. You can find Crazie K!D AnonYmouS’ latest single Master Cee 11th Letter 3 on iTunes and other major digital download stores.

How long have you been in the music business and how did you get started in the first place?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS : Peace. I’ve been in the music business for 14 years. I started out rapping in my homie’s basement. Recorded my first mixtape at 16.

Who were your first and strongest musical influences that you can remember?

Which artists are you currently listening to? And is there anyone of these that you’d like to collaborate with?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: Dwele and most definitely. I’ve been on my old school and jazzy shit lately though. Not much Hip Hop.

Where does the moniker Crazie K!D AnonYmouS come from?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: AnonYmouS came from middle school. I used to leave poems in class without signing them. People and the teacher asked who were leaving these unknown poems around. So I started to sign them AnonYmouS. Crazie K!D came later. When I was running the streets and doing wild things my homies, they would be like, “A yo, you crazy, kid!” So I just added it to the name.

What do you think separates you from the crowd of emcees emerging right now?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: I don’t know. I’m more worried about making good music and knocking out my goals

Which do you ultimately prefer? Entertaining a live audience or creating songs in a studio setting?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS:

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to be a part of this highly competitive business day after day?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: Love.

What would you consider a successful or high point in your career so far?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: Collaborating with Reef the Lost Cauze and making money from music online.

Tell us something about your lyrics and music production on your releases. Which part of these processes do you handle yourself, and which do you outsource generally?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: Production wise I just go with what makes me feel good or matches the energy I am generating at the time. Lyrically, I also write according to my energy. I write ALL of my lyrics. Production I outsource.

What do you feel your listeners should get out of your music?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: I hope my listeners feel connected.

What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music so far?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: Consistent income.

Which aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process excites you most and which aspect discourages you most?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: I love the looks on people’s faces when I perform. That excites me. Excites me more when they buy my music! The discouraging part is the business part. Most people in the entertainment business are selfish snakes that will do anything to get by. Including rappers.

The military, the prison system, and the streets of North Philly. Which was the toughest and what lessons have you learned from these experiences?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: Master Cee 11th Letter 3 is my third installment of the series and the final one. Lots of energy, and I tell the listener why I’m MC King for the third time. You can find this first single from my up coming LP, “Stay Ready And Willing” on YouTube, iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon.

What is your relation with visual media and YouTube etc. Have you released any videos clips for fans to see?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: Visuals are very important for any artist. I have videos on YouTube, including a video for my single Master Cee 11th Letter 3.

If you were stuck on a desert island, which 3 artist’s music would you choose to accompany your stay there?

Crazie K!D AnonYmouS: The Roots, War, Jill Scott

Do you have a motto or positive message stuck somewhere in your mind to inspire you, or anybody else, at any given time? If so, what would it be?